Have You Shopped at Your Local Farmers Market?

Our farmers market began this summer and I'm very happy with the amazing honey & homemade soap along with all of the fresh veggies. What is a farmers Market? How can you find one in your area? USA.gov has a FAQ on this topic along with a link from the USDA that searches for local markets. Did you know that August 1-7, 2010 is National Farmers Market Week?

How high was your last power bill?

My last power bill made me want to institute a no electricity day once a week. Instead of resorting to such drastic measures, I found out how a home energy assessment would allow me to save money while continuing to use electricity.

20th Anniversary - Americans with Disabilities Act

July 26, 2010 marked the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

Need to Save Some Money?

Who doesn't need to save a few bucks? Check out the 66 Ways to Save Money from the Federal Citizen Information Center for ideas.

REGIONAL AND STATE EMPLOYMENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT – JUNE 2010

Financial Reform Bill Available On GPO’S Federal Digital System

Direct link to bill: H.R. 4173, Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

Link to Federal Digital System (FDsys): www.fdsys.gov

AIDS.gov

The White House recently released the national HIV/AIDS strategy. The full report along with an executive summary, implementation plan and more can be found on the site, AIDS.gov.

Kids and Social Networks

Lately, I've read a few personal articles and blog posts from parents that have specific requirements for their children to follow when using social networking sites. Even with the specific requirements, these parents have discovered disturbing information once they gain access to the child's account (some on purpose others accidentally). The most common issue discovered is cyber bullying. Parents, you will want to take these tips in mind should you allow your children to have a social network account.

New Look: MedlinePlus

MedlinePlus has a new look along with new features. To begin with, follow MedlinePlus on Twitter for health and wellness updates. Check out the health videos or use the medical dictionary. Watching your daily calorie intake? Use the Interactive Meal Planner to design the perfectly balanced meal.

Alabama to Receive More Than $59 Million in Additional Recovery Funds

Upside Down Mortgage?

If you are experiencing an upside down mortgage, first, be wary of scams. Second, seek assistance from Making Home Affordable. There are options available to assist with your mortgage. As well, HUD offers tips on how to avoid foreclosure.

Documents of the Month: Espionage

We're focusing on espionage and the Cold War this month. Enjoy!

• International Cold War Military Records and History
• The Cold War and Beyond: Chronology of the United States Air Force 1947-1997
• American Army Doctrine for the Post-Cold War
• Apollos' Warriors: United States Air Force Special Operations During the Cold War
• Drawing the Iron Curtain: Cold War Cartoons 1946-1960
• The Sentinels of Freedom: The American People and the Defense of the Nation's Secrets
• The Unseen Conflict - Foreign Espionage Operations Against the United States
• Expulsions of Soviet Officials, 1987
• Soviet Active Measures: An Update, July 1982
• Coming in from the Cold: Military Heritage in the Cold War
• On the Front Lines of the Cold War: Documents on the Intelligence War in Berlin, 1946-1961
• At Cold War's End: US Intelligence on the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, 1989-1991
• Assessing the Soviet Threat: the Early Cold War Years
• Selected Estimates on the Soviet Union, 1950-1959

Could the Government Owe You Money?

Apps from USA.gov

USA.gov now offers a variety of apps. Some are free while others have a low fee.

HealthCare.gov

HealthCare.gov is live. The site offers an explanation of the new law, helps with locating insurance options, shows coverage options by state and clarifies the new pre-existing condition insurance plan. Additionally, readers may aid with site improvement by adding comments where this balloon icon appears.

Happy Fourth of July!

Learn more about the Fourth of July from USA.gov. Be sure to pay attention to the fireworks safety (and other safety topics) tips. Going to be on the water over the weekend? Sign up for customized water condition updates from WaterAlert by the folks at USGS.gov.

Stay safe and have fun!